With the heatwave, we all want to jump in the water, but caution is advised. To swim safely on Les Landes beaches this summer, a few simple rules must be followed.
Prioritize Supervised Beaches
To swim safely on beaches, vigilance is essential! The first rule is to ALWAYS respect swimming areas supervised by lifeguards. In case of an incident, rescue teams can intervene more quickly.
Don't Overestimate Your Abilities
Do not swim alone, do not stray far from the beach, and do not overestimate your physical abilities. If you haven't exercised in a long time, don't push yourself. Keep in mind that it's harder to swim in the sea than in a pool.
Beware of Currents and Baïnes
A baïne is a natural pool formed by marine currents between the coast and a sandbank. Very common on the coast of Les Landes, baïnes are particularly dangerous and often invisible. They can pull unsuspecting swimmers out to sea. At high tide, you must also be wary of "shore-breaks," these very powerful breaking waves (though popular with surfers) that crash near the shore in very shallow water. To escape them, you must dive into the wave and come out behind it.
In any case, before getting into the water, it is essential to swim in supervised areas and/or refer to the color of the flags displayed on the beaches.
Understand Beach Flag Colors
The colored flags hoisted on Les Landes beaches alert you to the absence or nature of danger depending on the sea conditions.
- Green flag: supervised swimming, no apparent danger.
- Yellow flag: supervised swimming, with limited danger.
- Red flag: danger, swimming prohibited.
- Red and yellow flag: supervised swimming only during lifeguard station opening hours.
- Purple flag: swimming prohibited, polluted water or presence of dangerous aquatic species (such as jellyfish).
- Black and white checkered flag: area for aquatic and nautical activities (e.g., surfing), swimming is not prohibited, but strongly discouraged.
Prevent Cold Shock
Cold shock is the body's reaction to a sudden change in temperature; thermal shock can lead to loss of consciousness and thus drowning. To avoid cold shock, it is advisable to enter the water gradually, especially after prolonged sun exposure. Wet your neck, head, arms, then torso to accustom your body to the water temperature. Also avoid swimming after excessive alcohol consumption or after a very heavy meal (opt for light meals).
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Beach means sunburn! Avoid sun exposure between 12 PM and 4 PM, as this is when ultraviolet rays are strongest. To properly protect yourself from UV rays in highly exposed conditions, never skimp on sunscreen, with a protection factor of 30, or even 50 depending on your skin type. It is recommended to reapply every 2 hours and after each swim.
Too much sun exposure could also lead to sunstroke. Protect yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed hat that better protects your neck, a bucket hat, a visor cap, or by sheltering under a parasol. Finally, an obvious tip, but always worth repeating: hydrate generously.
If You're Going to the Beach with Children
Never leave your children unsupervised, even at the water's edge. If toddlers don't know how to swim well yet, inflatable armbands will help them float on the water's surface, under your supervision, of course. For added safety, reinflate them before each swim.
Caution in the water, but also on the sand. Every year, thousands of children get lost on beaches. Therefore, consider equipping your children with an identification bracelet with their name and your phone number, so that lifeguards can return them to you.
Finally, protect your children's skin from the sun. They are more vulnerable to UV rays than adults. Children under 3 years old should never be directly exposed to the sun. Wearing a hat, a bucket hat, and a water-friendly t-shirt ensures the child is constantly protected. An anti-UV beach tent is also an excellent way to protect young children.
